What Researchers Did
Two undersea medicine experts reviewed the current evidence and clinical recommendations for treating arterial gas embolism (AGE) and venous gas embolism (VGE), conditions where bubbles enter the bloodstream, with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
What They Found
Arterial gas embolism causes stroke-like symptoms including unconsciousness, confusion, and seizures, and requires immediate first aid oxygen followed by hyperbaric oxygen treatment, similar to decompression sickness. Venous gas embolism is often tolerated in small amounts but can cause serious harm when it crosses to the arterial system through a heart defect (patent foramen ovale). Imaging should not be used to rule out AGE since gas is often invisible. An evidence-based review of adjunctive therapies was also presented.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadians who dive, undergo certain surgeries, or work in pressurized environments, AGE is a rare but life-threatening emergency. This review confirms hyperbaric oxygen as the primary treatment and clarifies that normal X-rays or CT scans may miss the diagnosis, making rapid clinical recognition and HBOT access critical.
Canadian Relevance
Arterial gas embolism is an OHIP-covered indication for HBOT in Ontario.
Study Limitations
This is a narrative expert review; supporting evidence for specific treatment recommendations varies in quality, and many adjunctive therapy recommendations are based on animal studies.